An introduction to the WAH Regulations

A Park City Consulting product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jul 22, 2005

In 2003/04, falls from height accounted for 67 fatal accidents at work and nearly 4000 major injuries, according to Park City Consulting.

In 2003/04, falls from height accounted for 67 fatal accidents at work and nearly 4000 major injuries, according to Park City Consulting.

Falls from height are the largest cause of deaths within the workplace and a major cause of serious injury.

The new Work at Height (WAH) Regulations apply to all persons working at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury.

A place is 'at height' if a person could be injured falling from it, even if it is at or below ground level.

An example could be a sales assistant on a step ladder; this would be 'working at height'.

The Regulations place duties on employers, the self employed and any person who controls the work of others at height.

If you are an employee you must report any safety hazard to the person in charge of the operation.

You must also use the equipment supplied (including safety devices) following any training and instructions - unless you think that would be unsafe, in which case you should seek further instructions before continuing.

Duty holders must ensure: work at height is properly planned and organised; account is taken of weather conditions that could endanger health and safety; training and competence in the tasks are appropriate; the workplace at height is safe; equipment is appropriately inspected and maintained; the risks from fragile surfaces are properly controlled; and the risks from falling objects and materials are properly controlled.

Staff training/supervision is paramount to ensuring the necessary organisation, planning, supervision, and supply and maintenance of equipment is adequate.

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